Leonard "Pooch" Kozick

Leonard “Pooch” Kozick, 90, of Dallas, passed peacefully, Sunday morning, August 17, 2025. Born in Plains to the late Michael Kozick and Mary Sholtis Kozick, and proceeded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Rice Kozick.

“Pooch” was a graduate of Dallas Township class of 1953 and graduated from Bloomsburg College. He was an esteemed basketball player in both High School & College. He went on to serve a 2-year post in the Army, stationed in Puerto Rico. In 1961, he joined the faculty at Dallas High School teaching geography until retirement in 1966. He then joined his brothers to operate the Brothers Four in Dallas through 1975. In 1977, he was elected the Dallas Township tax collector and spent 38 years serving his community until he retired at 80 years old.

Besides being a well-respected pillar of the community, his family meant everything. He was a kind and compassionate father to his daughters, grandfather “BaBa” to his grandsons, great grandsons & great granddaughter. His love of sports resonated with his grandchildren and he was so proud of their accomplishments. Besides family, he was a loyal friend to so many including those in the family cabin at South Mountain in Noxen. He was a member of St. Francis Cabrini Church in Carverton.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers Michael Kozich and Daniel Kozick; sisters: Leona MacFarlane, Mary Kitchen, Frances Spencer and Theresa Evan.

Left to cherish his memory are daughters: Charlene Vivian (Bill); Debbie Cumbo (Mike); and Nicole Pietraccini; grandsons: Brian Gula (Jen), Kevin Gula (Caitlin), Mikey Cumbo, Luca and Dante Pietraccini; great grandchildren: Griffin, James and Lucas Gula and Isabel Gula.

Siblings: Barb Mears (Harry); Dave Kozick (Mary Jane); sister-in-law, Faith Kozick. In-Laws: Rita Gillham (Bob), Barb Goldsmith (Mike), Bill Rice, Diane Traver (Steve) and Dottie Rice. Numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and great nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Frances Cabrini Church or planting a tree in his memory.

Memorial Mass will be held, Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM from St. Frances Cabrini Church, 585 Mount Olivet Road, Carverton, PA 18644. Arrangements are under the direction of The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA. On line condolences may be made at Disquefuneralhome.com.